Our Response to Those Who Govern Us

The following is an article I wrote for our November FBCH newsletter, "The Way." I wrote this before Tuesday's voting took place...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Although I am writing prior to the election, most of you will probably read these words after the final ballots have been cast and the final results reported. No doubt, regardless of who wins, some will be pleased and others…ummm…not so pleased. However, I could not help but think that this is a pretty good time for Christians to be reminded of their spiritual obligation towards those who are placed in authority over us. While it is true that democracy wasn’t practiced when the New Testament writers wrote, there were governments and there were leaders. The principles taught in the Bible as to how we relate to them have not changed. They are just as applicable today as they were two thousand years ago.

In Paul’s first letter to young Timothy, he said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) First and foremost, we are commanded to pray for our leaders. There are no qualifications placed upon this command. We are not to pray for those whom we helped elect or for those who belong to our political party. Some of you may feel like Edward Everett Hale, who while he was chaplain of the U.S. Senate, was asked if he prayed for the senators. He said, "No, I look at the senators and pray for the nation." Nevertheless, we are commanded to pray for them, regardless of our personal feelings. I have long believed that if the typical Christian spent the time praying for their leaders that they normally spend complaining, they would have much less to complain about! Those who pray for their leaders will normally be respectful in their dissent. This, of course, does not mean that we do not disagree. Nor does it mean that we should not shed light on unjust policies, immoral legislation or corruption. We can pray for those whom we actively oppose. But pray, we must. No Christian who does not pray for those in leadership has any right to complain about those who govern, for they have the government they prayed for.

The Bible is also a great handbook on how to pray for those elected to higher office. Paul mentioned three types of prayers in the aforementioned verses. First, we are to offer “requests.” This word refers to the felt needs that come along. It means praying during the difficult times. (If you’ve been praying about the recent financial crisis, chances are, that is the praying Paul is speaking of here!) Then, we are to offer “prayers.” This word refers to communion with someone. In other words, talk to God about our leaders. At times, those prayers may sound a little like Habakkuk’s complaints, and that’s okay. Finally, we are to make “intercessions.” This refers to specific requests that we make on behalf of another. The next president will be commander in chief of the most powerful military force in the world. He will inherit a national debt that, spread out, amounts to at least $25,000 per American. He will lead a nation where a murder takes place every twenty-three minutes, a rape every six minutes, a robbery every fifty-eight seconds, a burglary every three seconds. Whether or not you voted for him, don’t you think that he needs all the prayers he can get? Should we not pray for wisdom and direction and grace and strength?

But notice also that “thanksgiving” is mentioned in Paul’s list of prayers to be offered. “You mean that God wants me to give thanks for HIM?” some of you are thinking. Yes! This may be a good time to remember that the leaders Paul prayed for were not exactly role models. One Roman emperor was notorious for tying Christians to a stake, coating them in tar and turning them into living candles. Yet we are told to give thanks, apparently, even if those in authority over us are evil. That leads us to the question: Why should I give thanks for someone with whom I disagree a whole lot more than I agree? Because God is sovereign. Because God controls history. Because God can use the actions, even of evil kings, governors, presidents etc. in order to accomplish His divine purposes. So yes, thank God for those He has placed in authority.

Paul also instructed the church at Rome regarding this matter. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1) “For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4) Added together, our leaders in government are “established” by God and they are God’s “servants.” They may not be aware of these facts, but they are true nonetheless! I would argue based on these verses that Christians should respect the offices of government, even when those holding the offices are not worthy of respect. During the last sixteen years, I have seen Christians speak and act deplorably of government leaders from both major parties. I believe that our witness as believers suffers tremendously because of this. If we insult politicians with whom we disagree, if we pass along false and slanderous information (beware those “forward” emails), we hurt ourselves more than them. So let’s pray for our newly elected leaders and let’s show Christian decency in our conduct and speech. And always, let’s continue to look for and support those who share our biblical values and are running for election.